Our digital data is always being shared across different parts of our lives, and cloud storage has become an indispensable tool, especially when it comes to storing that data somewhere safe. From personal photos and documents to sensitive business information, we rely on cloud services to keep our data accessible and secure.
However, there are growing concerns about data privacy and security, in particular regarding US-based cloud providers, which is why it’s become important to move our data to alternative solutions.
Thankfully, there are plenty of different EU-based cloud storage solutions that cover all of our needs as we’ll see here.
Top European Cloud Storage Options
For those seeking secure and private cloud storage, several European providers offer great alternatives.
Proton Drive:
Proton Drive, developed by the creators of ProtonMail, is a prime example of a European cloud service that prioritises end-to-end encryption. This means that your files are encrypted on your device before being uploaded to Proton’s servers, so that only you can access them. Proton Drive integrates with other Proton services, providing a cohesive ecosystem for secure communication and data storage.
The company is based in Switzerland, a nation known for its strong privacy laws and neutrality, which only means stronger security protecting your data. The user interface is very easy to use, and allows for simple drag and drop file storage, automatic photo uploads, file sync, and more.
Filen.io:
Filen.io is another European cloud storage provider that places a strong emphasis on privacy and zero-knowledge encryption. With zero-knowledge encryption, Filen or anyone else cannot access your files, as they are encrypted on your device before being uploaded to Filen’s servers. Filen open-source client and commitment to transparency provide users with confidence in the security of their data.
The service offers a range of features, including file sharing and collaboration tools, making it a good option for individuals and teams. You can save notes, files, media, and more sensitive information like your identificaiton documents, your credentials for your bank or Lucky Creek online casino account, and more.
Tresorit:
Tresorit, headquartered in Switzerland, is a secure cloud storage and file-sharing service designed with a focus on business users. Tresorit employs end-to-end encryption to protect your files, so that only authorised users can access them.
The company’s commitment to security and privacy has made it a popular choice for businesses handling sensitive data. Tresorit allows for secure team collaboration, with features like password-protected file sharing and granular access controls.
Peergos:
Peergos is a decentralised and open-source cloud storage platform that offers a unique approach to data security. It utilising peer-to-peer technology, which distributes your data across a network of computers, eliminating single points of failure and improving security and data reliability.
Peergos’s open-source nature allows for community scrutiny, so that the platform remains secure and transparent. It’s actively being developed and is a great candidate for those wanting a secure platform to keep their files safe.
Cryptomator with Any Cloud Service:
For those who prefer to use existing cloud storage services, Cryptomator offers a solution for strong encryption. Cryptomator is an open-source tool that allows you to encrypt your files before uploading them to any cloud service, including those outside Europe.
The creation of encrypted vaults on your cloud storage means that Cryptomator can make sure your data remains protected even if the cloud provider’s security is compromised. The process involves installing Cryptomator on your device, creating a vault, and then dragging and dropping your files into the vault. Cryptomator encrypts the files and uploads them to your chosen cloud service.
Using The Cloud Safely
Continuing digital surveillance and data breaches means that it’s more important than ever to a secure cloud storage provider that respects your data. European cloud storage services, operating under the regulations of GDPR, offer the perfect alternative to US-based providers.
The prioritising of end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge encryption, and data sovereignty allows these services to provide better protection for your sensitive data. Proton Drive, Filen.io, Tresorit, and Peergos stand out as top European cloud storage options, each offering unique features and benefits.
In the end, the choice of cloud storage provider should align with your specific needs and priorities, but considering a European service can offer peace of mind in an increasingly complex digital world.
Why European Cloud Storage?
The digital world is governed by a complex web of laws and regulations, and data privacy is at the forefront of these discussions. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to protecting individual data.
GDPR imposes strict rules on how companies collect, process, and store personal information, granting individuals greater control over their data. This contrasts sharply with US surveillance laws, such as the CLOUD Act, which can force US companies to hand over data stored overseas, regardless of where the data is physically located.
European cloud providers, operating within the GDPR framework, are bound by these stringent privacy protections, meaning that your data is subject to safeguards and that it cannot be accessed or used without your consent. Data sovereignty, the concept that data is subject to the laws and governance structures within the nation it is collected, is another integral consideration.
Keeping your data within Europe guarantees that it remains under European jurisdiction, shielded from potential overreach by foreign governments, and this extends to a wide range of services from social media to online betting and everything in between.
The security concerns surrounding US cloud services extend beyond legal frameworks. It’s true that many US companies offer powerful security measures, the potential for government access to data raises concerns for individuals and businesses alike.
The global nature of data storage means that other countries may attempt to access data stored in the US, creating additional vulnerabilities, making it more vital than ever that users seek out European services.
